D.O. Jones, Caernarfon Manuscript Collection

A collection of Welsh pedigrees, coats of arms and a few folk tales in a late 16th century hand. The identity of the compiler is unclear, but it could possibly be the work of Wiliam Cynwal (5943)

A collection of the work of the chief bards, compiled by Evan Lloyd of Maes-y-Porth, Anglesey in 1756, and mostly in his hand. Amongst the poets which are featured are Sion Tudur, Dafydd ap Gwilym, John Dafydd, Thomas Price of Plas Iolyn and Goronwy Ddu (5944)

A collection of poetry created by William Evans of Llanwnda, c. 1770's. It contains the work of the chief bards, mixed with the more wanton works of poetry of his own period (5945)

2 books of poetry compiled by John Roberts of Rhoscolyn in the early 19th century. The first includes the work of such poets as Sion Phylip, Lewys Morgannwg, Huw Pennant, Sion Tudur and Dafydd Nanmor. The second includes some English poetry, such as the work of Sir Walter Scott (5946-5947)

Diary of John Roberts for 1828 with observations on the weather mainly with occasional notes of church services at Rhoscolyn, Llanfair and Llanfihangel Ysgeifiog (5948).

Evan Lloyd, the creator of one of these compilations of poetry was one of the minor gentry of Anglesey during the 18th century. He was the owner of a small estate, Maes-y-Porth in Llangeinwen and the son of Lewis Lloyd, Attorney-at-Law. Evan Lloyd himself served as Sheriff of Caernarfonshire in 1790 and later as Sheriff of Anglesey in 1793. He died in 1801. He was obviously a devoted collector of poetry, old and new, but also a poet in his own right. His son, also named Evan Lloyd became the Rector of Aberffraw and died in 1815.

William Evans, the creator of the second collection of poetry was born in 1730. He was better known as William Bifan and lived at Gadlys, in the parish of Llanwnda, Caernarfonshire. He died in 1793.

John Roberts, to which the third and fourth books of poetry and diary belong, was the son of John Roberts, Deputy Registrar of the Diocese of Bangor. He married Ann, the daughter of Evan Lloyd of Maes-y-Porth, aforementioned, and graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge. He was the Curate of Llangristiolus and Cerrigceinwen, Anglesey until his death in 1845.

Incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts

Open to all users.

These items were bought by D.O. Jones in a second-hand book shop in Wrexham, owned by a Mr Crowe.

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Simpson, September 2003.

A detailed typescript catalogue description is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 5943-5948

Usual copyright conditions apply. Reprographics are made at the discretion of the Archivist.